The words “brain” and “stimulation”, by themselves, are easily recognizable by most people. However, the combination of the two may cause a confusion in some. On its own the word “stimulation” refers to the action of improving performance of something or of someone. Combining the words “brain” and “stimulation” clearly references a process that encourages some transformation or modulation in brain activity.  The lack of clarity appears because there is no explicit reference to what exactly this “brain stimulation” is or does.

Context and Meaning of the Term Brain Stimulation

In the absence of a clear context, this subject can present numerous inferences. A more specific context would be helpful in better understanding the meaning of the term brain stimulation. In some cases, unfortunately, too often, terms like this one are thrown around without much clarity and specific context. In others, they represent a scientific or medical lingo, and can cause moments of intellectual discomfort to a layperson.

Thus, in reference to a healthy individual with no brain related abnormalities, the term “brain stimulation” can mean a few things. For example, maximization of this individual’s cognitive abilities through some form of brain stimulation is one, somewhat generic, option. By establishing these references, you can draw a more cohesive concept that is much easier to understand. Meanwhile, additional information, which can further clarify this concept and process, is still missing. For example, there is no specific reference to the form of stimulation, which is an important condition. There are numerous ways in which a brain can be stimulated, and some are more complex and invasive than others.

You are probably noticing how more contextual clarity can help to define and simplify your understanding of new complex terminology. Now that this matter is out of the way, let’s dive a little deeper into the subject of brain stimulation.

Types of Brain Stimulation Simplified

As often does any intellectually challenging material, brain stimulation requires clarification and even some simplification. Thus, it is easy to identify two general types of brain stimulation based on the levels of its intrusiveness. One is non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS), and the other type would be invasive. Each of these types include various forms or modalities of brain stimulation. It most likely sounds to you that the non-invasive brain stimulation would be preferred over the invasive one. In principal, it would be the case, if all modalities of brain stimulation could deliver equal benefits. In reality, selection depends on a specific need at hand, and the capability of a given modality to achieve it.

Without getting deep into complex neurological and medical aspects of various form of brain stimulation, let’s discuss what they are.

Briefly About Non-invasive Brain Stimulation Terms

Non-invasive forms of brain stimulation are gaining attention from both the scientists and the practitioners alike. The more commonly used forms of non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) are Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Transcranial Current Stimulation (TCS). However, one of the most recent forms of non-invasive brain stimulation is Transcranial Photobiomodulation (tPBM) or Transcranial Photoneuromodulation (tPNM). TPBM is rapidly evolving through growing research spurred by its simplicity, low cost and a potentially wide spectrum of applications.

Notably, the word “transcranial” is prominently present in the names of all three forms of non-invasive brain stimulation. Not to be confused with “intracranial” meaning “inside the skull”, transcranial means “passing through the skull”. In the case of non-invasive brain stimulation, the stimulation is delivered transcranially, or from outside of the skull. Such procedure does not require and physical alterations to the skull, neither outside, nor inside. Hence, the name of the procedure, non-invasive brain stimulation.

On the other hand, invasive forms of brain stimulation usually presuppose a direct stimulation of the brain inside the skull. Common techniques of invasive brain stimulation include Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) and neurosurgical procedures. These techniques require direct intracranial access to the brain. In simple words, the skull has to be opened surgically in order to deliver stimulation to the brain.

Transcranial Photobiomodulation for Brain Stimulation

As new technologies evolve, new modalities for therapies emerge. Light therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), has been known and studied considerably for over half a century. Recently, a body of promising evidence has emerged from new research in support of the concept of transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM). Research studies show that near infrared light (NIR) can penetrate the skull deep enough to reach the brain. Moreover, the studies also show that NIR can affect the brain in a number of meaningful ways.

Thus, the scientists observed that following tPBM sessions using a Vielight Neuro Gamma device, subjects presented increased interconnectivity between influential parts of the brain’s Default Mode Network (DMN). (L.L. Chao, 2019). DMN is an important cluster of brain regions responsible for the resting state of brain. Expressly, DMN enables brain activity during periods of rest, when you do not engage in any specific task. Furthermore, DMN engages in the social working memory (SWM). You use social working memory when you are navigating your social world. For example, SWM engages when you may think of friends, colleagues, others’ beliefs and other social paradigms. (M. Meyer & M. Lieberman, Social Working Memory: Neurocognitive Networks and Directions for Future Research, 2012).

Neurodegenerative disorders and transcranial photbiomodulation

The Dr. Chao finding is highly valuable for a number of reasons. One of them is the relationship between DMN functionality and Alzheimer’s Disease. Thus, functional connectivity in the DMN is disrupted in the brains of those suffering from Alzheimer Disease. The transcranial LED modules of the Vielight Neuro devices are specifically designed for placements that target the nodes of the DMN. This fact could potentially explain the increased functional connectivity in Alzheimer’s subjects observed by Dr. Chao.

When it comes to neurodegenerative conditions or an impairment in the brain, tPBM is showing promise. The range of research for applications of tPBM with NIR stimulation is increasing. Today it includes such complex neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease, as well as PTSD, stroke and depression. (Berman 2017).

Furthermore, a recently published exploratory study has shown more evidence of the positive effects from brain stimulation by transcranial photobiomodulation. (R. Zamorrodi et al, 2019). The subjects in this study were healthy individuals. It presents that even a single twenty-minute tPBM session, using a Vielight Neuro Gamma device, causes significant changes in brain oscillations.

What are brain oscillations?

Brain oscillations, or neural oscillations, are forms of repetitive electrical activity in the brain. They are considered important building blocks in sensory-cognitive processes. (E. Basar, Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2013). Moreover, brain oscillations are attributable to firings of neurons in the brain, and can vary in frequency, power and phase. These three parameters are measurable and linkable to certain brain states and activities. The insights from the above study can help to optimize tPBM parameters for brains. Optimization can be done for normal brains, those with neurological anomalies, like Alzheimer’s Disease, and those with trauma, like TBI.

Why Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) using light is important?

The simpler way to respond to this question would be to base it on the benefits of the brain stimulation. Importantly, the fact that the therapy is non-invasive reduces the risks and increases the tolerability of the procedure. Therefore, NIBS using light opens another dimension in its non-invasive characteristics. The procedure becomes not only painless, but maybe even undetectable for those who undergo NIBS using light. In absence of acute sensitivities to light, or irritation by the foreign objects, most would sense only the physical pressure of the tPBM device.

Thus, the primary factors of importance of non-invasive brain stimulation using light, are the benefits that this photobiomodulation can deliver. The extent of these benefits is under the lens of a significant scientific research. A worldwide body of scientific evidence is growing to offer a better understanding of the effects of tPBM on the brain. As this new and exciting field of research is gaining momentum, so does the extent of tPBM applications and benefits. The future of non-invasive transcranial brain stimulation with light looks promising. Meanwhile, it awaits further validation and support from solid, evidence-based research. You can expect more news, as new research finds its way into reputable scientific publications.

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Newcomers to the world of brain photobiomodulation, as well as skeptics, often ask these three questions: “1. Can light penetrate into the brain? 2. Does the brain respond to photobiomodulation (PBM)? and 3. Does the brain respond positively?”

Nature Scientific Reports published a paper in April 2019, titled “Pulsed Near Infrared Transcranial and Intranasal Photobiomodulation Significantly Modulates Neural Oscillations: a pilot exploratory study”. This paper provides scientific evidence that answers the above three questions with a resounding ‘Yes’.

In this randomized double-blind study, the Vielight Neuro Gamma was applied to 20 human subjects with healthy brains. Using near infrared light emitting diodes (LED), pulsing at 40 Hz and focusing on the default mode network, this study presented a novel discovery in how the brain responds to PBM. The investigation demonstrated that the power spectrum in the high frequency brain waves of alpha, beta and gamma was significantly increased, whereas the low frequency spectrum of delta and theta was decreased. The recalibration in the power spectrum indicates improved attention and cognition. There were also greater global inhibition and higher connectivity in the high frequency bands. These are features of a brain with better functions and organization.

A Few Words from the Vielight Founder

Co-investigator, Dr. Lew Lim, Founder of Vielight, added: “Over the years, I have been asked these three questions repeatedly by scientists and members of the public alike. The findings of this study are of huge significance in the use of the transcranial and intranasal Vielight devices. Until this study was published in this high-impact, peer-reviewed journal, we never had a sufficiently solid ground for skeptics to accept, and we could only offer hypothetical answers. Now we have proof for the nay-sayers and strong evidence for the early adopters of our technology to feel that their confidence in us is justified. Furthermore, this landmark study makes transcranial-intranasal photobiomodulation (PBM) a reliable and effective technology for non-invasive brain stimulation method. Thus, the Vielight Neuro can be used both at home and in clinics as an easy-to-use, portable device that does not require any special training.

We can now move on to expand our research on the potential of transcranial PBM as well as on how it can be used
to treat brain conditions, perhaps, even boost human capabilities. In this respect, our research agenda is already looking
very busy”.

Vielight’s Pivotal Alzheimer’s Clinical Trial Recruits its
First Participants

The primary site for Vielight’s pivotal Alzheimer clinical trial, St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, has recruited its first participants during the last week of May 2019. This is a major milestone for Vielight after two years of intense preparation.

The trial will be a randomized, placebo-controlled study involving 228 subjects with moderate to severe cognitive impairments due to Alzheimer’s Disease.
This pivotal trial will be conducted across North America. St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada is the first among the eight sites that will carry out the study. The protocol of the study has been reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada.

The device in investigation, the Vielight Neuro RX Gamma, directs near infrared light (NIR) to selected regions of the brain. The NIR is pulsing at the gamma rate of 40 Hz. Subject to regulatory clearance, the device will be indicated for Alzheimer patients with moderate to severe impairment. This is the group that demands the most care with the largest economic burden.

This clinical trial is timely against the backdrop of many unsuccessful attempts by pharmaceutical and device companies to demonstrate acceptable efficacy and safety to address the disease. Currently, no other modality, that is in a clinical trial, is expected to demonstrate clinical outcomes within the time anticipated for the Vielight study to be completed.

Studies Warrant to Move Trial Forward

Recently published studies have shed more light on the potential of the Neuro RX Gamma to modify the pathology of Alzheimer’s Disease. These studies presented findings in clinical assessments and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), warranting the move forward with the large pivotal clinical trial.
The trial will be independently managed by the Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC), a methodology center affiliated with St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto. Further information and contact details for participation enquiries can be found at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03484143.

Scientists’ Remarks about Photobiomodulation and Alzheimer’s Disease

The Principal Investigator at St. Michael’s Hospital, Dr. Corinne Fischer, M.D., said: “In spite of substantial efforts to establish effective treatments for Alzheimer’s disease, progress has been, unfortunately, limited, and a cure does not yet exist. Although it is not conventional as an Alzheimer’s disease solution, we look forward to investigating the potential of the Vielight technology in the treatment of this difficult disease, based on promising early evidence.”

Michael Hamblin Ph.D., Retired Principal Investigator at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and Associate Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, said: “For more than 50 years, researchers have been demonstrating the potential of PBM to treat many medical conditions. However, large controlled clinical trials have been elusive. Vielight has been the first to demonstrate successful clinical outcomes for dementia in small early investigations, and we look forward to the findings of this pivotal trial.”

Lew Lim, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of Vielight, expressed, “A very complex disease like Alzheimer’s poses a big challenge to any researcher, and even more so for a small team like ours. Despite the solid science and strong early evidence, few were ready to ride with us. I am grateful to the courageous parties who have helped and encouraged us to get to this point of a major clinical trial. I hope that we will all be a part of something special and important in the end.”

Dr. Lew Lim to present at the Science of Consciousness Conference

On June 27th, 2019, Dr. Lew Lim will give a talk entitled, “Photobiomodulation-induced fast brain oscillations can elevate consciousness and cognition.” His presentation will take place at the Science of Consciousness Conference in Interlaken, Switzerland. This event is an annual gathering of like-minded scientists exploring new knowledge and theories on human consciousness for the advancement of humankind. Dr. Mahta Karimpoor and Dr. Hilary Au will also be present to demonstrate the novel ability of the Neuro Pro device to positively and acutely shift mental states.

Dr. Lim commented, “Our recent discoveries in the effects of photobiomodulation on the brain has given us new understanding about the behavior of the brain at different states. It is a big deal that we can induce improved mental states, virtually at will. This is a first case for a brain stimulation device to deliver this magnitude of brain response with no safety issues. The fact that the medium of modulation is the photon, which is a quantum particle, offers opportunities for extraordinary brain modulation and for new theories.”

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This is a study that should be of great significance to the world of brain stimulation and photobiomodulation (PBM) research. We showed for the first time that inducing pulsed near infrared (NIR) light to the brain has real impact in modulating brain oscillations.
Lew Lim, Ph.D., CEO, Vilight Inc.

On April 19, 2019, a paper reporting the effect of the Neuro Gamma on brain oscillations was published by the high-impact Nature Scientific Reports. The double-blind controlled study entitled “Pulsed Near Infrared Transcranial and Intranasal Photobiomodulation Significantly Modulates Neural Oscillations: a pilot exploratory study”, described significant changes in brain waves and connectivity following single PBM sessions of only 20 minutes. The investigators were Reza Zomorrodi of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Genane Loheswaran and Lew Lim of Vielight Inc., and Abhi Pushparaj of Ironstone Product Development, all based in Toronto, Canada. Using near infrared light emitting diodes (LED), pulsing

Vielight Neuro Gamma in use during the study

at 40 Hz and focusing on the default mode network, the study presented a novel discovery in brain response. The study demonstrates that the power spectrum in the high frequency brain waves of alpha, beta and gamma was significantly increased, whereas the low frequency spectrum of delta and theta was decreased. There was also greater global inhibition and higher connectivity in the high frequency bands.

Scientists’ View

According to Dr. Lew Lim, CEO of Vielight, “This is a study that should be of great significance to the world of brain stimulation and photobiomodulation (PBM) research. We showed for the first time that inducing pulsed near infrared (NIR) light to the brain has real impact in modulating brain oscillations, the kinds that are highly desirable for improving brain functions. You could not achieve this level of effect without negative side effects using electrical and magnetic brain stimulation methods.”

Dr. Lim added, “The most important question that this study answers is whether PBM has any effect on the brain. This study shows clearly that not only does it have an effect, but also it induces response that is quite consistent. Furthermore, it dispels the often-held notion that high-powered lasers are desirable for significant response. There is a lot in the physiology in a living human that enables good response with the right PBM parameters. This makes PBM an effective and versatile modality.”

Lead investigator, Dr. Reza Zomorrodi says: “It was a pleasant surprise that a home-use device directing a safe level of light to the brain can produce this level of modulation within 20 minutes. It was important that the modulations were consistently achieved without any negative side effects. The modulations appear to be frequency dependent, producing outcomes that are desirable for potentially addressing a number of conditions. This study unveils the exciting potential of PBM as a potent, non-invasive brain stimulation modality.”
Dr. Lim further added, “We should now move forward to push the understanding of PBM further so that we can meaningfully improve people’s lives, especially in the areas where other treatments have failed”.

Dr. Lew Lim to Present at the 2019 Sharp Brains Virtual Summit

The 2019 SharpBrains Virtual Summit (May 7–9th, 2019) will feature over forty of the world’s top experts, innovators and investors working to improve brain health for all in light of growing neuroscience and digital tech. The Summit will take place online and attendees can attend all sessions via their computers. Dr. Lim will update the attendees on new developments in brain photobiomodulation and exciting prospects for the future of PBM. Frequent collaborator, Dr. Reza Zomorrodi, will be presenting his views on the brain research landscape at the conference.

Dr. Alison Smith Joins Vielight

Alison Smith, Ph.D., will be joining Vielight as the Manager for Performance Science and Research. She has years of experience in neuroscience, including EEG research. Dr. Smith was also an adjunct professor of anatomy and physiology at the University of Waterloo. She completed a degree in Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy. Furthermore, she is a skilled medical writer and a regular meditator. Dr. Smith will be involved in Vielight initiatives in sports injuries, sports performance, cognitive performance and advanced meditation science.

Vielight to Exhibit at the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Annual Meeting

The meeting, to be held on May 18-22 2019, is the largest gathering of psychiatry-related professionals held annually. Over 13,000 anticipated attendees from around the globe will be attending this event. Most of the attendees are physicians from psychiatric and other mental health disciplines, social workers and nurses. The meeting features hundreds of educational sessions and presentations on the latest research, including more than 400 scientific sessions.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the Vielight technology which helps the brain. The Vielight personal PBM wearable devices will be available at the Vielight booth #1823.

Additionally, they will be able to discuss the various initiatives the company is undertaking to support psychiatry.

The post Breakthrough Revelation in Brain Patterns with Vielight Neuro Gamma first appeared on Vielight Inc - Deutsch.

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